AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal claims the upcoming Delhi election is a contest between public welfare and corporate benefits as he attacks BJP’s financial policies

As the countdown to the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections draws near, AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal has framed the battle as a clash of two competing ideologies. Speaking at a rally in New Delhi, Kejriwal accused the BJP of focusing on the welfare of the wealthy, offering “freebies” to corporates while ignoring the common man’s needs. He argued that the future of Delhi, and by extension, the nation, depended on which model would prevail.

Kejriwal’s criticism centred on what he called the BJP’s misuse of public funds to waive massive loans for industrialists, amounting to Rs 10 lakh crore over the past five years. He contrasted this with his own party’s welfare-driven agenda, which has seen the provision of free electricity, healthcare, transport, and education for Delhi’s residents.

According to Kejriwal, the AAP model offers direct financial benefits, amounting to nearly Rs 25,000 per month per household in Delhi, highlighting the differences between his vision and the BJP’s.

Furthermore, the Delhi Chief Minister lashed out at the BJP’s stance on welfare schemes, particularly its plan to end key programs like free electricity and bus rides for women if the party gains power. Kejriwal posed a pointed question to the electorate, asking whether they would be willing to pay the price if the BJP decided to roll back these benefits.

Kejriwal also responded to BJP’s dismissive stance on welfare schemes, calling them “freebies,” by turning the accusation back on the party. He questioned whether massive financial concessions to big businesses could not also be considered freebies, drawing attention to the BJP’s track record of corporate-friendly policies.

The Delhi Assembly election, which will determine the political landscape of the capital, is set for February 5, with results to be announced on February 8. While AAP seeks a third consecutive term, the BJP aims to wrest back control of Delhi after losing it in 1998.